France: The Age of Absolutism, 1610-1780

Examination of the growth of the French state under the Bourbon monarchy and the centralizing policies of ministers Richelieu, Colbert and Fleury that saw the expansion of venal office holders and robe nobles as well as the critical counter voices of Enlightenment thinkers and the protests of unruly commoners. How did Louis XIV help to make France a world power? What contributed to its vibrant culture emulated throughout Europe? How did the claims of absolute rule give way to liberal ideas of equality and liberty?